Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, a business area of Lockheed Martin Corporation , recently released the first complete and integrated Block 1.1 Operational Flight Program (OFP) Engineering Test Software for the C-5 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP).

"This release is a major achievement and milestone for the program. We've built a full Block 1.1 Operational Flight Program for the AMP's core system processor. We can now move forward into system level integration and test phase in preparation for first flight," said Lockheed Martin's, Tom Blakely, vice president, deputy of engineering.

The Block 1.1 release was delivered on schedule May 20 and is the baseline for transition into the Full Software Systems Integration and Test phase of the C-5 AMP. It includes the earlier released portion from Honeywell Defense Avionics Systems that controls the automatic flight control system and flight management system, and the portion from Lockheed Martin Systems Integration that controls communications, navigation, and surveillance.

Block 1.1 is the backbone required for first flight and is the first of four incremental development blocks that make up the spiral development planned for the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development phase of the AMP. The system development is scheduled to be complete in the spring of 2004.

"The successful validation and testing of this Block 1.1 software supports the spiral development process which let's us field a better solution for our Air Force customers while reducing program risk," said June Shrewsbury, vice president of Strategic Airlift for Lockheed Martin.

The AMP is the first phase of the Air Force's C-5 modernization effort. The $454 million AMP contract was awarded to LM Aero in January 1999 and will integrate an advanced flight control and communications/navigation system, as well as new instrument displays.

The second phase of the C-5 modernization program is the Reliability Enhancement and Reengining Program (RERP) and is aimed at increasing fleet availability and reducing total cost of ownership. The contract for the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the RERP, valued at $1.1 billion, was awarded to Lockheed Martin on December 5, 2002. The RERP was determined by the Air Force to be the most cost-effective way to meet its future heavy airlift needs.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F-22, JSF, F-117, C-5, C-27J, C-130, P-3, and U-2.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corp., headquartered in Bethesda, Md. Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. Employing about 125,000 people worldwide, Lockheed Martin had 2001 sales of $24 billion.

For information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

For information on Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, visit: http://www.lmaeronautics.com/

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company